It has often been repeated that nature abhors a vacuum. Yet in the world of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we’ve discovered that this proverb may not hold as equally true, particularly for Europeans shopping their harmful compounds. North Carolina is the recent recipient of such unwanted PFAS, drawing attention to regulations — or lack thereof — around these so-called forever chemicals.
PFAS are chemicals known for their exceptional resilience and perennial nature. They are called “forever” chemicals due to their inability to break down naturally, which in turn makes them a potential threat to both the environment and human health, sometimes at very minute concentrations. While the import of these into the US raises clear importation enforcement and health concerns, the EPA does seem to have a strong plan in place for dealing with these chemicals.
According to recent reportage by JD Supra, it was only a little more than two years ago that the EPA published its PFAS road map. The report has commended for its ambitious oversight on PFAS and its recognition of the significant danger these compounds pose to public health and the environment.
However, this point highlights the need for a more global mechanism for control and restriction of these compounds. The issue doesn’t stop at North Carolina’s borders, or indeed the borders of the US. Evidently, these chemicals are a global problem, and as such, require a unified, cross-border approach. New legislations, stricter enforcement and cooperation between governments may be necessary to protect ourselves and environment from PFAS, and to ensure the safe management of these chemicals in the future.
Where core American ideals like federal notes and blue jeans were once eagerly exported around the globe, it now seems, more cautionary tales flow back to American shores. Legally, it’s a north star; proactive measures at regulation and wider understanding of the threat that PFAS pose to all of us.